Introductions!

1. Introductions! Research and Writing Thibodeaux

2. Definition of Introduction • The introductory paragraph to a short essay usually attempts to do three things: • Introduce the topic with some indication of its inherent interest or importance, and a clear definition of the boundaries of the subject area • Indicate the structure and/or methodology of the essay, often with the major sections of the essay or its structural principle clearly stated • State the thesis of the essay, preferably in a single, arguable statement with a clear main clause (http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/intro.html)

3. UNC writing center • http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/

4. Examples:(http://libguides.astate.edu/content.php?pid=54191&sid=398866)Examples:(http://libguides.astate.edu/content.php?pid=54191&sid=398866) Here's an introductory paragraph for a paper I wrote. I started the paper with a factoid, then presented each main point of my paper and then ended with my thesis statement.

5. Tips for writing good Intros(http://libguides.astate.edu/content.php?pid=54191&sid=398866) • The Dreaded Introductory Paragraph • Writing the introductory paragraph can be a frustrating and slow process -- but it doesn't have to be. If you planned your paper out, then most of the introductory paragraph is already written. Now you just need a beginning and an end • Beginning Sentence(s) • Here's your chance to introduce your topic and grab your reader's attention. NEVER start your paper saying, "In this paper, I will" or "This paper is about." Start strong. In your research, have you come across an odd factoid or interesting quote? Try starting your paper with that. How about starting with an anecdotal story or humor? • Middle Sentences • Usually, the middle sentences cover the points in your paper. Since you've already planned which order to write the points, you already know which order to place them in your introductory paragraph. You don't have to include every single point, but make sure the important ones get in there. • Ending Sentence • All the previous sentences have been building up to this: your thesis. Your thesis statement expresses the overall idea of your paper and show where you stand on the topic. Indiana University has a great tutorial for writing thesis statements.

6. Leads (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/05/) Types of Leads • Summary lead: This is perhaps the most traditional lead in news writing. It is often used for breaking news. A story about a city council vote might use this “just the facts” approach. Straight news leads tend to provide answers to the most important three or four of the Five W’s and H. Historically this type of lead has been used to convey who, what, when and where. But in today’s fast-paced media atmosphere, a straightforward recitation of who, what, when and where can sound stale by the time a newspaper hits the stands. Some newspapers are adjusting to this reality by posting breaking news online as it happens and filling the print edition with more evaluative and analytical stories focused on why and how. Leads should reflect this. • Anecdotal lead: Sometimes, beginning a story with a quick anecdote can draw in readers. The anecdote must be interesting and must closely illustrate the article’s broader point. If you use this approach, specificity and concrete detail are essential and the broader significance of the anecdote should be explained within the first few sentences following the lead. • Other types of leads: A large number of other approaches exist, and writers should not feel boxed in by formulas. That said, beginning writers can abuse certain kinds of leads. These include leads that begin with a question or direct quotation and those that make a direct appeal using the word you. While such leads might be appropriate in some circumstances, use them sparsely and cautiously.

7. Examples of Leads(https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/05/) • Summary lead: On more than 170 occasions this year, lobbyists failed to file disclosure forms when they visited Clark County commissioners, leaving the public in the dark about what issues they were pushing and on whose behalf. • Anecdotal lead: From Dan Ralescu’s sun-warmed beach chair in Thailand, the Indian Ocean began to look, oddly, not so much like waves but bread dough. • Question lead: What’s increasing faster than the price of gasoline? Apparently, the cost of court lobbyists.